In addition to our regular Friday/Sunday visits with Dad to go see Mom, Melinda and I have added some individual visits when possible. Every minute spent with her is precious. On good days or bad ones, it is a sacred space to just be with her. I sit beside her bed and hold her hand … Continue reading Moments with Mom
Author: michellegunnin
Non-Bucket List Items
I got a few items checked of my non-bucket list this week. Never heard of a non-bucket list? It is a list is made up of things you hope never to do. Allow me to explain. Unfortunately, I have had many traumatic experiences in my life. Enough to know how my body reacts to stress. … Continue reading Non-Bucket List Items
Letting Go
We are still in limbo over here. Mom is not bouncing back from her broken leg, which we knew was a long shot at best. The original goal was to try to get her back to her wheelchair. That will not be happening. In-between land is filled with heartbreaking decisions of various kinds. There are … Continue reading Letting Go
The Divide
There is a line we are walking on this dementia journey. On one side of the line is our desire to be with mom and her adorable laughter. To sit and to be together. To support her as she has always supported us. The other side is the desire to see her free from her … Continue reading The Divide
The Notebook
Have you seen the movie the Notebook? Spoiler alert, it’s a love story about a couple where the wife has dementia. Her husband goes to see her almost every day and tells her their story, hoping she will remember. I am watching a real-life version of the Notebook. For the past few years, Dad has … Continue reading The Notebook
D-Day
Today is my own personal D-Day. Diagnosis Day. Seventeen years ago, my assault on the enemy began with three words, “You have cancer.” I was sucked into the vortex I call Cancerland without any training for the battle. Storming the beach without any knowledge of what to do if I made it to the shore. … Continue reading D-Day
Combating Summer Boredom
After the last crumb of biscuit was eaten; the last lick of apple jelly was gone; and the last drop of cream and sugar filled coffee was sipped at breakfast; it was time for play. Running to the sideboard cabinet, made by my great grandfather, my sister and I waited for the key. My grandmother, … Continue reading Combating Summer Boredom
Juneteenth
"That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive … Continue reading Juneteenth
A Surprise Adventure
I had a surprise adventure on Sunday. Totally unexpected. It started when a pink envelope with my name on it showed up in the mailbox. I was intrigued. Where did it come from? Why just M. Gunnin and no address? How did it get there on a Sunday without mail delivery? Who put it there? … Continue reading A Surprise Adventure
Retirement
They say cleanliness is next to godliness, but I have never believed that statement. My house looks lived in. There are piles of clutter, blankets of dust, and fur tumbleweeds. All those things make my house a home, at least that is what I tell myself. The closets are burgeoning with all the clutter piles … Continue reading Retirement
Michelle's Mosaic 